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How to hire a screw machine operator

Screw machine operator hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring screw machine operators in the United States:

  • HR departments typically spend 15% of their expenses on recruitment.
  • It usually takes about 12 weeks for a new employee to reach full productivity levels.
  • It typically takes 36-42 days to fill a job opening.
  • The median cost to hire a screw machine operator is $1,633.
  • Small businesses spend an average of $1,105 per screw machine operator on training each year, while large companies spend $658.
  • There are currently 4,670 screw machine operators in the US and 57,954 job openings.
  • East Syracuse, NY, has the highest demand for screw machine operators, with 7 job openings.
  • Rockford, IL has the highest concentration of screw machine operators.

How to hire a screw machine operator, step by step

To hire a screw machine operator, you need to identify the specific skills and experience you want in a candidate, allocate a budget for the position, and advertise the job opening to attract potential candidates. To hire a screw machine operator, you should follow these steps:

Here's a step-by-step screw machine operator hiring guide:

  • Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
  • Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
  • Step 3: Make a budget
  • Step 4: Write a screw machine operator job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new screw machine operator
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist
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  1. Identify your hiring needs

    Before you post your screw machine operator job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a screw machine operator for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    Hiring the perfect screw machine operator also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

    Here's a comparison of screw machine operator salaries for various roles:

    Type of Screw Machine OperatorDescriptionHourly rate
    Screw Machine OperatorMetal and plastic machine workers set up and operate machines that cut, shape, and form metal and plastic materials or pieces.$12-22
    OperatorOperators are skilled workers who are in charge of working on an industrial machine or a specific aspect of the manufacturing business. They are trained to operate machines, learning how to use them... Show more$12-25
    Cell OperatorA Cell Operator is someone who handles a production cell in a company or factory. This position ensures that a cell unit of the production functions properly and efficiently... Show more$14-21
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Screw Machines
    • Calipers
    • Hand Tools
    • CNC
    • Quality Checks
    • Dial Indicators
    • Blueprint Specifications
    • Comparators
    • SPC
    • Multi-Spindle
    • Machine Adjustments
    • Shop Mathematics
    • Sharpen Tools
    • Product Specifications
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Verify conformance of production parts to specifications using various measuring instruments including micrometers calipers, dial indicators and other gauges.
    • Operate CNC screw machinery by performing maintenance and changing of tooling to set-up for different parts.
    • Train employees proper procedure to run and maintain production standards per blue print and hourly SPC charting.
    • Change drills, cutting tools, recess tools, and move inserts position for inside and outside diameters using CNC.
    • Recognize for work done in a sterile environment and utilizing correct safety PPE for surrounding work areas/machinery.
    • Learned and perform MIG welding.
    More screw machine operator duties
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your screw machine operator job description helps attract top candidates to the position. A screw machine operator salary can be affected by several factors, such as geography, experience, seniority, certifications, and the prestige of the hiring company.

    For example, the average salary for a screw machine operator in Georgia may be lower than in California, and an entry-level screw machine operator usually earns less than a senior-level screw machine operator. Additionally, a screw machine operator with certifications may command a higher salary, and working for a well-known company or start-up may also impact an employee's pay.

    Average screw machine operator salary

    $36,062yearly

    $17.34 hourly rate

    Entry-level screw machine operator salary
    $27,000 yearly salary
    Updated January 20, 2026

    Average screw machine operator salary by state

    RankStateAvg. salaryHourly rate
    1California$53,257$26
    2Connecticut$41,758$20
    3Colorado$39,585$19
    4Kansas$37,445$18
    5Illinois$37,298$18
    6Ohio$36,321$17
    7Wisconsin$34,526$17
    8New York$33,165$16
    9Florida$32,777$16
    10Arkansas$32,612$16
    11Michigan$32,058$15
    12North Carolina$31,480$15
    13Oklahoma$30,740$15
    14Iowa$28,573$14

    Average screw machine operator salary by company

    RankCompanyAverage salaryHourly rateJob openings
    1Graco$56,622$27.22
    2Tenneco$44,072$21.1911
    3Alma Products$42,428$20.40
    4Eaton$42,001$20.1952
    5Goodwin Recruiting$40,692$19.56
    6Staffworks Group$40,657$19.5513
    7Volt Information Sciences$38,683$18.60
    8Kelly Services$38,458$18.4995
    9Oetiker Group$38,154$18.34
    10ManpowerGroup$37,904$18.22144
    11Workbox Staffing$37,085$17.8316
    12Snelling$36,161$17.397
    13National Technologies$36,098$17.35
    14QPS$35,947$17.28
    15Herker Industries$35,334$16.99
    16Altra Industrial Motion$35,325$16.98
    17Caterpillar$35,215$16.938
    18EJ Basler$34,612$16.64
    19MacLean-Fogg$34,449$16.5612
    20Express Employment Indy South$33,891$16.2911
  4. Writing a screw machine operator job description

    A good screw machine operator job description should include a few things:

    • Summary of the role
    • List of responsibilities
    • Required skills and experience

    Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a screw machine operator job description:

    Screw machine operator job description example

    $125 Bonus paid weekly if you work 50 hours in a week!

    Entry-Level Pay is $17+ / hour. Additional pay for skilled machinists is dependent on experience.

    SUMMARY: Operates multiple spindle lathe type screw machines equipped with automatic indexing and feeding mechanisms to machine metal bar stock by performing the following duties.

    ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

    • Reads blueprint or job order for product specifications such as dimensions, tolerances, number of parts to be machined, and tooling instructions such as cutting speeds, feed rates, depth of cuts, and cutting tools to be used.
    • Positions and secures specified collets, bushings, and stock pushers onto stock feeding mechanism and loads bar stock into feeding mechanism.
    • Installs and adjusts specified cams, gears, and stops to control stock and tool movements at each station.
    • Positions and secures tools in tool holders.
    • Sets cutting speeds and feed rates.
    • Moves controls to cycle machine through settings, stopping machine and adjusting tool positions and machine controls to allow for operating factors such as timing, clearance between moving parts, and chip removal.
    • Starts machine, observes operation, and inspects first run and sample work piece to ensure machining conforms to specifications.
    • Replaces worn tools.
    • Operates bench grinder to sharpen tools.
    • Carry out work according to safety policies, OSHA standards and ISO requirements.
    • Machines metal materials.
    • Must have basic math skills (add, subtract, multiply, divide, convert to decimals, read measuring instruments.

    EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

    • High school diploma or general education degree (GED);
    • or one to three months related experience and/or training
    • or equivalent combination of education and experience.

    HOURS:

    • 1st Shift: 6:00am - 4:00pm (Monday to Thursday)
    • 2nd Shift: 3:50pm - 3:05am (Monday - Wednesday); 3:50pm - 10:05pm (Thursday)
    • $125 Bonus paid weekly if you work 50 hours in a week!

    MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

    Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

    PHYSICAL DEMANDS

    The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk and climb or balance. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

    WORK ENVIRONMENT

    The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

    BENEFITS

    Health, Dental, Vision, 401K, Paid Vacations, Paid Personal Time, Holiday Pay (Eligible Upon Hire), Flexible Spending Account, Company Paid Life Insurance & AD&D, Voluntary Life Insurance, Paid Uniforms, Paid Breaks, Reimbursement for Safety Shoes, Short & Long Term Disability, Tool Program, and more!

    Why work with Herker Industries, Inc.?

    In addition to offering competitive pay and benefits, we are committed to furthering the career development of our employees. We believe in providing training and career development opportunities for employees who demonstrate a strong work ethic, think creatively, and manage time and projects efficiently and safely.

  5. Post your job

    There are various strategies that you can use to find the right screw machine operator for your business:

    • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
    • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
    • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
    • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your screw machine operator job on Zippia to find and recruit screw machine operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    During your first interview to recruit screw machine operators, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

    It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

    The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

  7. Send a job offer and onboard your new screw machine operator

    Once you've selected the best screw machine operator candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

    It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

    To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

  8. Go through the hiring process checklist

    • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
    • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
    • Define job responsibilities and requirements
    • Establish budget and timeline
    • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
    • Write job description
    • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
    • Promote the job internally
    • Process applications through applicant tracking system
    • Review resumes and cover letters
    • Shortlist candidates for screening
    • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
    • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
    • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
    • Conduct background checks on top candidates
    • Check references of top candidates
    • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
    • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
    • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
    • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
    • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
    • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)
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How much does it cost to hire a screw machine operator?

Before you start to hire screw machine operators, it pays to consider both the one-off costs like recruitment, job promotion, and onboarding, as well as the ongoing costs of an employee's salary and benefits. While most companies that hire screw machine operators pay close attention to the initial cost of hiring, ongoing costs are much more significant in the long run.

You can expect to pay around $36,062 per year for a screw machine operator, as this is the median yearly salary nationally. This can vary depending on what state or city you're hiring in. If you're hiring for contract work or on a per-project basis, hourly rates for screw machine operators in the US typically range between $12 and $22 an hour.

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